Overview & Reviews

There are sport sedans, and then there's the BMW M5. No other car in recent memory has been able to represent the ideal for this segment as strongly as the Bimmer. For each of its five generations, the M5 has impressively blended sports car performance, sedan utility and luxury ambience.

The M5 is a product of BMW's performance-tuning M Division. It's based on the 5 Series sedan, and historical calling cards include a unique and more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes, special wheels and tires, and aerodynamically enhanced bodywork. Though the most recent BMW M5 is the fleetest of the group, any M5 still represents a fantastic choice for a luxury sport sedan. Even M5s from the 1980s and '90s were significant performers in their day, and the rare well-kept specimen still holds great appeal for enthusiasts.

Current BMW M5
The current M5 packs a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 good for 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. The optional Competition package bumps the power up to 575. Rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual are standard, while a six-speed conventional manual is available as a no-cost option. Unlike the rev-happy naturally aspirated engines that came before it, this turbocharged mill provides a mountain of low-end torque that seemingly never lets up. This is an astonishingly quick car.

How the M5 drives is largely determined by which of the myriad drive settings you choose. Steering weight, suspension firmness, throttle response, transmission shift programming and stability control parameters can all be adjusted to your exact preferences. On an ordinary BMW, the adjustable settings consist of three or four preset combinations, so this M5 represents a new level of customizable performance.

The overall result is a car that can function equally well as a docile commuter or a vicious, corner-attacking machine. There are several other cars that pull off a similar double-duty trick, but the M5 is the car that arguably inspired them all. Its engine may be a departure from past models, and its size may make it seem a bit unwieldy at times, but there's no denying that the latest M5 maintains its high-performance street cred.

Used BMW M5 Models
The current, fifth-generation M5 debuted for 2013 after a two-year hiatus for the nameplate. Like the 5 Series on which it's based, this M5 is larger than its predecessor, with an improved interior and more traditional BMW styling. In addition to swapping out the old V10 for a twin-turbo V8, it gains a superior dual-clutch automated manual transmission, a more capable torque-vectoring rear differential, upgraded brakes and enhanced adjustable drive settings. Unlike the regular 5 Series, the M5 sticks with more responsive and communicative hydraulic power steering rather than electric.

The current M5 received a handful of updates for 2014, including minor styling tweaks, a new steering wheel, a revised iDrive interface, a few additional options and the optional Competition package (comprising 15 extra hp, a sport exhaust, 20-inch wheels and sharper steering and suspension calibrations).

The previous, fourth-generation BMW M5 was produced for the 2006-'10 model years. It was powered by a screaming 5.0-liter V10 capable of 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission at first was a single-clutch automated manual called SMG that sent power to the rear wheels. Drivers could either leave the transmission in automatic mode or perform exceptionally quick gearshifts via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The downside was unrefined, herky-jerky upshifts, which were particularly unwelcome in ordinary driving. BMW offered an optional six-speed conventional manual starting in 2007.

The fourth-gen M5's suspension took more of a back-to-basics approach. Unlike the standard-issue 5 Series of that era, the M5 lacked active roll bars and run-flat tires. The major pieces were electronically controlled dampers, lightweight 19-inch wheels, performance tires and massive brakes. Our quibbles here mostly concerned the unnatural-feeling steering system with its variable ratio and effort. Otherwise, this M5 was a track-ready ninja with uncommonly precise handling.

Like previous M5s, the fourth generation didn't sacrifice much comfort to achieve its high-performance abilities -- just about every luxury feature came standard. Whether it's utilized for daily commuting, impressing clients or blasts on empty canyon roads, a used M5 from this generation will be up to the task. Be wary of maintenance costs, however, as BMW forums are rife with tales of eye-wateringly expensive repair bills.

Besides the addition of the six-speed manual, there were only subtle changes made throughout the fourth-generation M5's life. Most notably, model years prior to 2010 featured older versions of iDrive that made even the simplest stereo or climate control functions complicated to use. Extensive changes for 2010 made it far more user-friendly.

For some die-hard BMW enthusiasts, the third-generation M5 is still the best. Offered from 2000-'03, this M5 featured a 4.9-liter V8 good for 394 hp. At the time of the car's debut, the engine's output was considered quite outrageous for a midsize luxury sedan, as was its 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds. The sole transmission choice was a six-speed manual. Eighteen-inch wheels and the requisite suspension and braking upgrades were part of the package, though some say it never quite equaled the raw athleticism of the previous M5. Numerous new technology features found their way into this generation, including an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle with adjustable response and an early navigation system. It will no doubt be a future classic.

Prior to this there were two M5 generations, and both are rare sights on U.S. roads today. The second-generation M5 was available from 1991-'93. It had a straight-6 engine that displaced 3.6 liters and made 310 hp, a then-remarkable output that actually trailed the European-spec engine by 30 hp. This M5 was prominently featured in the 1998 Robert De Niro car chase classic Ronin. At the time, the only sedan capable of matching the M5 was the Mercedes-Benz 500E, which had a V8 engine.

The original BMW M5 was available for the 1988 model year only and was based on the second-generation 535i. For power, it had a version of the 3.5-liter straight six-cylinder found in the legendary M1 exotic sports car. In the United States, it made 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission was a five-speed manual, and the cars were offered with a black paint job only. Highly collectible now, it's said that only 500 were brought to the United States.

User Reviews:

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  2006 M5-- An Outstanding Achievement!! - 2006 BMW M5
  By DAVID LOYA - January 19 - 5:35 pm

  I just turned in my 2003 M5 for this new 2006 M5. Surprisingly there is little in common between the two cars. The 2006 M5 is much more dynamic and exciting to drive. It outperforms the older model in every way, even in the 400hp mode. The new M5 is a blast to drive and I look forward to getting in the car every morning. The 2006 M5 has surpassed my expectations and I feel it is under-priced at 90K.

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  Truly the Ultimate Drving Machine - 2006 BMW M5
  By archangel - January 5 - 11:43 pm

  This vehicle is a pure drivers machine, it is what other cars aspire to be. The design, the handling, suspension and cornering are unmatched, as is the fluid acceleration through all gears... the moment you hear the engine turn over, you know you are in for a great ride... the bosy turns heads, and the engine pulls your neck straight back.. I wouldnt own anything else after driving this car.

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  Happy m5 owner - 2006 BMW M5
  By jdyjak - January 2 - 1:24 pm

  This is an incredible sports sedan, lots of power at very high RPMs, Im still in the break-in period, so I have not pushed it that far yet. Im a little disappointed the launch control that had been advertised is not available in the U.S. overall Im very happy with this vehicle, if you consider purchasing this vehicle remember there is a reason why there is a $3,700.00 gas guzzler tax, this car drinks it.

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  2nd M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By mb2ndM5 - December 24 - 2:43 pm

  This is my second M5 and have been waiting for 3 years for this one. It was worth the wait! Awesome car, tremendous ability to adjust performance. Great handling, great feel, a wolf in sheeps clothing. Looks and feels great during the ride to church with the family and performs equally well side by side with the viper or 911 on the interstate on the way back home. SMG takes some getting used to, but once you decide how you want to use it its relatively smooth and functional.

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  Astounding - 2006 BMW M5
  By pelican - December 18 - 4:43 am

  The M5s technology enables virtually infinite adjustments to suit the driver and the driving conditions. It is like having a bespoke car: the driver can adjust transmission, suspension and horsepower settings to your liking. And there is a lot to choose from given this cars great capabilities. It handles beautifully, with precise steering and road feel. The M5 has ample power, with up to 500 hp. I owned the previous generation M5, and the 2006 is a tremendous improvement in terms of both performance and comfort. And I like the fact that the car is a "sleeper". Unless they know their cars, most people wont know that the M5 is one of the best performing cars on the road.

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  Perfection personified - 2006 BMW M5
  By David Swanson - November 26 - 6:35 pm

  This is one amazing car! I have never ever been left with a feeling of amazement whilst being overjoyed behind the wheel of any other vehicle. The awesome power with control gives this vehicle the right balance between fun and stabilty. S6 mode is brutal and thoruoghly fun for a true driver. Loved it beyond all measure!

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  Unbelievable Once You See the Car - 2006 BMW M5
  By DKM - November 24 - 1:57 am

  The car is stunning and incredible once you see it on the showroom floor and then actually take it for a drive. I previously owned a 1998 540I and there is no comparison. I looked at the 2006 550I and again, no comparison. A fabulous car with many technologically advanced features. It is amazing to hear the sound of the engine when you start the car and as you wind up the RPMs. There is no doubt that there is a high performance engine under the hood.

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  Bow down, the King has returned! - 2006 BMW M5
  By impreziv - November 15 - 3:10 am

  The BMW M5 has always been the leader of the performance sedan class. Overall, the power, handling, comfort is unsurpassed. My trip to the local dragstrip showed 12.2 in the 1/4mile, finishing at 117mph. Thats faster than all current Lambos, Benz sedans, pre-03 Vipers. The car has yet to disappoint me. but maybe Im to preoccupied with the performance side to notice anything wrong. If you want supercar-like performance, but need four doors, this is the car for you. If you just want a status-symbol sedan, dont buy it. This car takes a certain breed of driver to appriciate it. It is more of a moneypit than most cars. I have averaged 11mpg, even driving within speed-limits.

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  Best Car Built! - 2006 BMW M5
  By MattMumford1 - November 9 - 9:23 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle. It feels as if you are driving a car from the future because of the extreme horsepower and the simple luxury.

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  Worth the wait - 2006 BMW M5
  By Kelly777 - November 3 - 6:59 pm

  Unbelievable car. SMG and iDrive are far better than I anticipated after reading several mixed reviews. Also being previous E39 540 owner. I never really cared for the new E60 5 series design before, the styling on the M5 is stunning. Needless to say I bought the car for its performance and it has exceeded every expectation. It can ride like a top of the line luxury sedan and with the push of a button, you will feel like you are in a race car ready for the track!